WhatsApp for Android may soon get fingerprint authentication for security

WhatsApp is still one of the most popular messaging applications, especially in developing countries. As you’d expect, to gain such popularity, it has to be very secure. The application received end-to-end encryption long ago to ensure the safest exchange of text and media. Apparently, WhatsApp will soon receive fingerprint authentication for even more protection of your precious messages. WABetaInfo found out the clues about the newest method of authorization in the latest beta with version 2.19.3.

According to the original source, in the future, you will be able to enroll your fingerprint for authentication under the Privacy section of WhatsApp settings. The screenshot shows that you will also be able to log in with the device credentials (PIN, password, etc.). Fingerprint sign-in will be available on all Android Marshmallow or newer devices that support it. On older devices, you will most likely be able to use only manual authentication. Face ID and Touch ID authentication methods will also be available for iOS. There is currently nothing known about the release date of the feature.

WABetaInfo also reports that WhatsApp 2.19.1 includes a redesigned audio picker. It supports previewing tracks before sending them to the contacts. Like the fingerprint authentication, ETA is also unknown for this feature.

Like I’ve mentioned, it is currently unknown when this feature will be available for the public. According to WABetaInfo, they are still in an alpha stage, so I don’t think you should expect them to arrive just now. The release shouldn’t be that far away though, and they will most likely be enabled by a server-side switch. You can download WhatsApp from the Play Store listing below.